Attractions in Portland, OR

Showing 1 - 18 out of 18

The city is full of hidden gems and treasures. If you’re tired of always hitting the same spots, take a look at all the options below. We showcase businesses near you where you could spend countless hours of endless fun with your entire family.

Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!

Enjoy one of Portland's beautiful outdoor spaces and hang out at Alberta Park. The park offers amenities and attractions like a basketball court, a soccer field, a baseball field, a tennis court, paved walking paths, and an off-leash dog area where pups can roam free. There's also a playground where the kiddos can run wild and picnic tables where everyone can hang out together.

Step into one of the city's oldest public places and visit Ankeny Plaza. Within the plaza, you'll find the Skidmore Fountain which has been hailed “as one of the finest fountains in American art,” and is the oldest piece of public art in the city. The plaza also has a number of preserved historic buildings, and Portland's popular Saturday Market event is held here as well.

Take the family out for some fun at Electric Castle's Wunderland. The kids can run wild and conquer over 100 arcade games like ski ball, racing games, hydro boat racing, and other favorites. After you've burned all that energy on games, check out a movie together at the Avalon Theatre.

You'll feel like a kid again when you explore the shelves of Finnegan's Toys & Gifts. This store has been locally owned and operated for over 30 years and sells a variety of board games, stuffed animals, LEGOS, puzzles and much more. Take the kids to pick out their new favorite toy, and maybe get a little present of your own.

See the natural beauty of Portland first hand at the Hoyt Arboretum. The arboretum was founded to conserve endangered species and wilderness. There are over 12 miles of trails that weave throughout the 187-acre expanse, offering you the perfect vantage point to observe the beauty of Oregon.

Go crazy on the rides and attractions at Oaks Park Amusement Park & Roller Rink, a popular Portland destination that made its debut in 1905. You'll find favorite rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl and the ferris wheel, along with other fun attractions like go-karts, bumper cars, huge slides, mini golf, a skating rink, and a nice selection of kiddie rides.

Explore the realm of science and the world of industry at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry. The exhibits and attractions here bring various aspects of both subjects to life. Check out features like the planetarium, the Turbine Hall, the Life Sciences Hall, the Science Playground, and the OMNIMAX Theater.

From Africa to Asian, the Amazon and beyond, explore the attractions at the Oregon Zoo. The animals here are housed in a variety of exhibits that replicate their natural habitat. On your journey through the zoo, you'll see animals like lions, zebras, rhinos, tigers, elephants, bears, and even dinosaurs. That's right, the Oregon Zoo is home to animatronic dinosaurs that bring the prehistoric creatures back to life.

Check out what's going on at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Considered to be Portland's living room, the Pioneer Courthouse Square is located in downtown Portland and hosts over 300 events a year. Community events, festivals and entertainment are just a few of the things that are on the Square's schedule. This is a must-see destination for Portland visitors.

Travel back in time to the homes of yesteryear and tour the Pittock Mansion. This chateau was built in Portland's West Hills in 1909, and boasts stunning architectural features and rich décor throughout. The home serves as a memorial to its first tenants, Henry and Georgiana Pittock, who played a great role in the development and prosperity of the city.

Go for a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram and see the city from a whole new perspective. You'll see everything from above, from the South Waterfront district to the Oregon Health & Science University campus. The ride averages about three minutes long.

You and the kids will learn a lot as you explore the exhibits and attractions at the Portland Children's Museum. The exhibits here encourage touching, playing and experiencing education first hand. Some of the features include Building Bridgetown, The Clay Studio, Pet Hospital, Play It Again Theater, and Twilight Trail, among others.

Embark on a journey through the Portland Japanese Garden, hailed as “the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.” As you roam through, you'll find that there are five main gardens: Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, The Tea Garden, Natural Garden, and Sand and Stone Garden. Tranquility and lovely scenery are guaranteed here.

Spend family day shopping the unique vendors at the Portland Saturday Market. This weekly event is a well-known Portland attraction, and one of the longest running arts and craft shows in the nation. As you explore the booths here, you'll find everything from art to jewelry, furniture, clothing, toys for the kids, and much more.

See a performance at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, an entertainment venue that's considered to be one of the best in the nation. The PCPA is comprised of three buildings, and the stages of these buildings host a variety of productions, from concerts to dance performances, Broadway shows and symphony events and much more. The venue keeps a busy schedule so there's sure to be something going on that suits your interest.

Whether you want to appreciate your love for nature or revel in your Catholic faith, The Grotto is the place to do it. The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, or The Grotto, is a Catholic shrine and a botanical garden. The 62-acre garden includes beautiful plants, several sculptures, and walking paths throughout.

Family time just got a lot more scenic. Plan a day of fun at Waterfront Park. This park overlooks the Willamette River and features a walking path throughout. Along with its gorgeous views and blooming cherry blossom trees, the park is home to a number of important landmarks, including the Japanese American Historical Plaza.

Learn about forests and their impact on our environment at the World Forestry Center & Discovery Museum. Exhibits showcase the system and structure of forests throughout the world. There have been features on logging, the story of chocolate and the cacao tree, and the wildlife that calls the forest home, like bats and wildcats.